The Spain U-21 coach admitted that, despite the defeat, the team had to suffer
The winger Rodri, chosen MVP of the match, remarked that “the important thing is victory and that we continue to score without conceding”
The Spanish U-21 coach, Santi Denia, admitted that despite the 1-0 victory against Croatia on the second day of the European Championship, the team had to suffer because they lacked more control of the game.
“It is clear that Croatia was playing for options and had to take a step forward. These transition situations must be taken advantage of, although we want to have more control of the game”, he explained after the clash at a press conference, and admitted: “We have had to suffer as a team and it also helps us. The coaching staff will look at these situations to improve them and have control.”
A European always demands a lot and the man from Albacete recalled that “every three days a game is difficult to recover. Therefore, the medical group is important. We started well, we were in control… but when we have lost it we suffer more. And we had a rival in front of us who did things well”, Denia stressed.
Regarding the appearance on the pitch at the hour of the game by Gabri Veiga, who came onto the pitch in the 62nd minute, the coach explained that “he came in from ’10’ first to connect behind Baena and Blanco, and then switched to double pivot in defense. It was a phase without so much control and that type of player suffers more; but what has been asked of him he did well”, he concluded about the Celtiña.
Second MVP for Rodri
The Betic Rodri, although he did not have a performance as brilliant as the one in the premiere against Romania, returned to curdle a remarkable performance that was worth it to get his second MVP in the championship.
“It is always important to be recognized, but the important thing is the victory of the team, that we have four goals and that we have not conceded any,” he told TVE.
“It was time to suffer and we suffered, we started well, but football is about defending and attacking. Croatia is an important team and we have counteracted them well in defense,” remarked the Betic.
On the last day of the group against Ukraine, Rodri, who went through the Barça youth academy, was clear: “We will try to win the game, they are also very good.”